2016 Mazda 3 2.2d 150 Sport Nav first drive

A mildly updated version of the Mazda 3 hatchback and a rival for almost everything else in the C segment. Mazda names the Kia Ceed and Hyundai i30 as the cars it most wants to compete against, but in truth the 3 is taking on everything from the Ford Focus to the Skoda Octavia.

Until now, the 3 has been well received. We like its interior space, economical diesel engines and agile handling, but with the car having been on sale since 2013 - and the next-generation 3 not due until 2018 - updates were needed to keep it competitive.

Changes to the car's styling are minor, including a new grille to put the car more in line with the Mazda CX-3 and facelifted Mazda 6 saloon, new LED headlights and a revised rear bumper, but it's in the chassis where most of the work has been done. Mazda's G-Vectoring Control (GVC) system is new here, although it already features in the 6. It delivers minute and imperceptible variations in engine torque to the front wheels, allowing the 3 to corner with more stability and reducing the need for mid-corner steering inputs from the driver. It's also claimed to improve ride comfort for passengers by reducing mid-corner lateral forces.

Also new are various interior upgrades: there's a new plastic trim around the window switches, larger door bins, a full-colour head-up display on Sport Nav models and a new leather steering wheel. Mazda has also done away with its mechanical handbrake in favour of an electric version.

The beauty of peak torque arriving at just 1800rpm is that this 2.2-litre diesel rarely feels out of puff. In fact, it feels plenty faster than its 148bhp peak power output would have you believe - especially considering its claimed 0-62mph sprint time of 8.1sec. That's partly due to a new turbo lag-reduction system called Transient Control. It means there's less waiting for the turbo to spool up and deliver power and give that delightful surge from low down in the rev range.

Mazda admits selling its GVC system to customers will be tricky, because if it's working as it should you won't be able to detect it. That said, the 3 feels keener to turn in to bends than before and once settled sticks to its line. On Scotland's undulating Highland roads it felt generally composed, engaging and grippy, although at speed the inconsistently weighted steering let it down. It also rides well on most surfaces, and only on really broken roads do you feel it shudder through the cabin. We couldn't detect any of the improved passenger comfort Mazda had talked about, though.